Master of Fine Arts in Acting

The MFA Acting program at FAU offers an integrated and challenging course of study for serious students who aspire to careers as professional actors; actors who possess the skills, creativity, insight, intellect, and vision to carve for themselves a successful life in this extraordinarily competitive field. The M.F.A. is a terminal degree, as opposed to an M.A. or any number of other degrees and certificates offered by various institutions. This means that in earning an M.F.A., the student has completed the highest level of professional training in the field. At FAU we take our training and our degree seriously. Students learn to overcome personal obstacles in order to arrive at clear, unfettered expression, in order to collaborate in the creation of living theatre.

Dedicated to the proposition that acting is a creative art, the mastery of which is only attainable through disciplined and intensive practice, our program is geared toward the development of the total actor, in terms of his or her personal needs as an artist. The M.F.A. graduate is trained, equipped and qualified to meet the stringent demands of the contemporary theatre, while at the same time have the requisite skills to work with classical text, as well as meet the unique challenges posed by film and television.

During their two-year, on campus residency, students are challenged by a program that integrates acting, voice, speech and movement which comprise its core course of study. Classes are limited in size assuring personal attention. The extensive training in voice and movement incorporates Linklater, Skinner, Bogart, Laban, and the Alexander techniques, among others.

The student’s progress is tracked by a faculty of outstanding master teachers and professional artists with notable professional reputations. Along with intensive scene study and studio work, the M.F.A. in Acting offers numerous performance opportunities for graduates. While in residency, M.F.A .actors are required to audition for all departmental mainstage productions. They are also required to participate in the University’s Summer Theatre Festival where they work alongside professionals to earn Equity Membership Candidacy points.

The internship program is designed to enable students to make contacts with respected professional theatre companies and when possible to complete requirements for membership in actor unions. Past FAU graduate students have held internships at such prestigious organizations as the WPA Theatre in New York, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Maine Repertory, Cincinnati Shakespeare, The American Repertory Theatre, The Old Globe Theatre, Arena Stage, The Guthrie Theatre, Arkansas Repertory, and numerous other regional theatres across the nation. FAU forms relationships with local professional Theatre companies and assists students in internship placement as opportunities arise.

The Theatre faculty at FAU is made up of highly skilled and multitalented professionals experienced in educating, training and guiding students towards successful careers in the theatre. Through doing “the work” themselves, the faculty instill in our students the highest standards of professional excellence.

Admission to MFA Programs

All students desiring admission into the M.F.A. in Acting program must, in addition to meeting University requirements, have successfully completed a B.A., B.F.A., or their equivalent in the area of Theatre or Drama.

All students enter as part of a cohort during the Fall term of every even-numbered year only. Auditions are held early in January and February of the year of admission. It is recommended that students wait for audition results before submitting their online application to the FAU Graduate College.

All prospective students are required to submit three professional/academic letters of recommendation to the Department. Students seeking admission must also complete a personal statement and an acting audition consisting of two contrasting monologues. In addition, students will be asked to complete an interview session with the acting faculty before a final decision is made. Students must contact the Department for available audition dates, times and locations.

University Requirements

The minimum standard for Graduate Admissions is 3.0 GPA on the last 60 semester/90 quarter hours of credit received prior to receiving the baccalaureate degree, or successful completion of a master's degree from an accredited institution. Up to six credits beyond the baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution may be transferred at the discretion of the Department.